The Rowling Library Magazine #73 - January 2023

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FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF PATRICIO TARANTINO EDITOR BELÉN SALITURI ILLUSTRATOR FAUSTO GIURESCU CONTRIBUTORS OLIVER HORTON LAURENT GARCIA ERIK KRUEGER The Rowling Library www.therowlinglibrary.com Vol 73 - Year 7 January 2023 Twitter: @rowlinglibrary Instagram: @rowlinglibrary Facebook: /rowlinglibrary YouTube: /TheRowlingLibrary

WELCOME

Welcome to the 73rd issue of our magazine, and the first one of 2023! We are excited to bring you a diverse range of articles this month, starting with “That Skeeter Woman” by Oliver Horton, which takes a closer look at the character of Rita Skeeter and how she is perceived by other characters in the Harry Potter series.

Next up, we have an article about the Wizarding World Festival, the highly anticipated official event for Harry Potter fans. We’ll be exploring the possibilities for what this event could entail and who might be in attendance.

We also have a review of BBC’s recent adaptation of Troubled Blood, which aired last month. And for our main article, we are thrilled to present “The Hierarchy of Canon in Harry Potter,” which discusses the different sources of Harry Potter lore, such as the books, Rowling interviews, and more.

J.K. ROWLING’S LEGACY

In addition to these, we have the Famous Wizard Card illustration by Fausto Giurescu, as well as other articles.

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you enjoy this issue. We look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the months ahead!

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5. THAT SKEETER WOMAN 11. BBC TROUBLED BLOOD 15. FAMOUS WIZARD CARD 16. THE HIERARCHY OF CANON 23. WHAT COULD THE WW FESTIVAL BE? 26. TWITTER HISTORY 27. TRL BOOKS IN 2023 29. RIDDIKULUS!
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Rita Skeeter is a talented journalist who uses her gifts not for good or evil but for commercial gain: to profit the Daily Prophet. Introduced in Goblet of Fire, she is an opinion leader, an influencer. Her antiHarry stories in the latter half of the fourth book set the tone for the general media abuse aimed at him in Order of the Phoenix.

In-book criticism of Rita Skeeter cleaves to her gender. Rita is an ambitious witch in a man’s wizard’s world. The first thing anyone says about her is “That woman” – the speaker is Percy Weasley: “That woman’s got it in for the Ministry.” Sirius refers to her as: “That Skeeter woman.” At the Yule Ball, Percy again, unwittingly perceptive: “That revolting Skeeter woman buzzing around.” Hermione dubs her “That horrible woman” and, later the same chapter, “You horrible woman” and “That foul Skeeter woman”. Harry chimes in: “That Skeeter cow […] That –woman.”

Books Three, Four and Five each introduce an unreliable female character as a presence at Hogwarts school: Sybill Trelawney, Rita Skeeter, Dolores Umbridge. All trigger Hermione to unusual action: quit an entire subject, kidnap and blackmail, rebellion. Both Rita Skeeter and Dolores Umbridge act nice on the surface and have their own agendas. Like Umbridge, Rita is an unattractive

woman who overdoes the feminine styling. Both go after Hagrid. Both have special quills that do not require ink. But like Professor Trelawney’s fortune-telling, Rita’s journalism can be more exact than it first appears.

A WRITER WRITES

“Dear Batty, Thanks for your help. Here’s a copy of the book; hope you like it. You said everything, even if you don’t remember it. Rita.”

— Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Note attached to Bathilda Bagshot’s copy of the Dumbledore biography.

When Rita targets the powerful, she is a force to be reckoned with. The Ministry of Magic fully deserves the poison in her pen. “Ministry blunders... culprits not apprehended... lax security… Dark wizards running unchecked… national disgrace…” is an accurate depiction of the Death Eaters’ after-party at the Quidditch World Cup. Rita paints in broad brush strokes and makes minor mistakes in her rush to publish, but she has a good nose for a story and runs ahead of the pack.

Rita Skeeter, despite her smarts, is not wealthy. When forced out of work, she deteriorates visibly. Her house is described in the Daily Prophet as “cosy”, the same word Rita herself uses to describe a broom cupboard. She serves pound cake. Rita’s glasses glimmer

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with rhinestones in a world where diamonds and rubies are used to measure a school’s House points. Her handbag is not dragonskin but crocodile. Indeed, the prosaic wardrobe and cuisine suggest a Muggle parent. To colourize the biography, best guess: wizard or witch parent hid the secret of their magic from the Muggle spouse. Little Rita grew up in an environment plagued by deceit, and learned secrecy at mummy or daddy’s knee.

The Queen of the Quills works hard. She is a grafter. Becoming an Animagus – in secret – is no stroll down a country lane. Nor is being a beetle. Nor is obtaining Veritaserum. Rita probably invented the Quick Quotes Quill. And she writes a 900-page biography of Dumbledore in just a few weeks. “The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore” is mostly

truthful if not the whole story, as Harry concedes in Godric’s Hollow: So Rita Skeeter and [Ron’s aunt] Muriel had got some of their facts right. A professional sensationalist, Rita Skeeter’s style reads as encyclopedically vicious, but her fat tome helps the Trio move the mission forward.

ENCHANTINGLY NASTY

“You horrible woman [...] you don’t care, do you, anything for a story, and anyone will do, won’t they?”

— Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Hermione turns on Rita Skeeter

Even Rita’s harsher pearls have wisdom. Bill Weasley’s mother agrees that his hair is too long, the pillock. Ginny christens her pygmy puff Arnold, the name Rita mistakenly gives Arthur Weasley in print. Hagrid really is a half-

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giant. And before Golbet of Fire was published half the readership thought Harry and Hermione were a couple-in-waiting. In the same book Hermione goes from “plain but ambitious girl” to “stunningly pretty” – except in Rita Skeeter’s articles, where the transformation happens in reverse. Rita claims that Hermione has a “taste for famous wizards”. Ron Weasley’s final line in the series? “I’m extremely famous.”

In the chapter “The Weighing of the Wands” (from the fourth book), the blokey photographer focuses on Fleur. Attractive young women sell newspapers. But Rita Skeeter intervenes. The hackette is smarter and better than the lowest common denominator. Rita puts the Boy Who Lived front and centre. Because Harry Potter is the story of the Triwizard Tournament, not Cedric Diggory or Fleur Delacour or Viktor Krum. Harry Potter is the story full stop.

J.K. Rowling said Rita’s biography of Harry Potter would be “one quarter truth to three quarters rubbish.” But three parts truth to one part rubbish is more on the nose. Rita’s World Cup newspaper story airs the rumour that bodies were removed from the woods. The body turns out to be Barty Crouch Jr, FakeMoody-in-embryo. Rita pokes the Ministry about Bertha Jorkins’ disappearance and the ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody break-in: vital stages in Voldemort’s plan to return. Were it not for the Triwizard Tournament

and the distraction of her grudge match with Hermione, Rita would uncover the Dark Lord’s plot!

NOT VERY SPORTING

— Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire: Ron questions Hermione’s priorities.

Hermione takes Rita Skeeter headon to protect Harry and Hagrid, to combat injustice. She removes Rita from journalism at the end of Goblet of Fire and neutralizes one of the Ministry of Magic’s most scathing criticism – which treats Fudge & co., the old boys club, to an easy ride for most of Order of the Phoenix. (If little miss perfect understood Quidditch, she might call this an own goal.) Hermione turns her adversary into a weapon and restores Rita to the pinnacle of her profession, via the soaraway success of The Quibbler’s exclusive Harry Potter interview.

Seven years after the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a postscript online: Rita returned to give a “live” commentary of the 2014 Quidditch World Cup Final, Brazil vs Bulgaria. Age has not withered her rudeness. While fellow announcer Ginevra Potter covers the sport, Rita focuses on VIP Box Two, which shelters Dumbledore’s Army. Her barbs become increasingly personal until Ginny decks her

“Do we have to start a vendetta against Rita Skeeter as well?”
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with a jinx to the solar plexus.

The commentary serves as an update on various beloved characters (sixteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts), as Viktor Krum finally wins the World Cup.

George Weasley has married “his dead brother’s ex-girlfriend” Angelina Johnson. They have two children, Fred and Roxanne. Neville Longbottom is described as a celebrity, elitist and callous (for enjoying himself). When Bulgaria’s

Veela cheerleaders perform, Ron goes catatonic. Albus is the only Potter to support Brazil.

Rita nails Hermione as a “ruthless careerist whose long-term ambition is undoubtedly to be Minister for Magic”. As she ascends to the role of Minister, Hermione Granger will jostle with Rita Skeeter every step of the way. They are bound together, like some warped version of the Prophecy. Neither can relax while the other thrives.

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BBC One’s adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Strike series, written under the pen name Robert Galbraith, returned to our screens this past month with its fifth season, entitled Troubled Blood. The new season sees series leads Holliday Grainger and Tom Burke reprise their roles as Robin Ellacott and Cormoran Strike, respectively, as they tackle a difficult cold case involving the 1974 disappearance of a doctor and mother, Margot Bamborough, alongside Robin’s own messy divorce and shifting relationship dynamics with Strike.

One of the standout aspects of Strike: Troubled Blood is the chemistry between Burke and Grainger. Their characters have a will-they-won’t-they dynamic that has been a constant throughout the series, and it reaches new heights in this season. There is a palpable tension between Strike and Robin, and viewers can’t help but root for them to finally get together. Burke and Grainger have a natural chemistry on screen that makes their scenes together a joy to watch. In addition to the excellent

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chemistry between the leads, the performances by Burke and Grainger are top-notch. Burke perfectly embodies the gruff and grumpy Cormoran Strike, bringing depth and complexity to the character. Grainger, meanwhile, shines as the determined and capable Robin. She is more than just a sidekick, and is a fully fleshed out character in her own right.

The personal lives of Strike and Robin are a crucial aspect of the series and add layers of complexity and emotion to the story. Robin’s divorce with her unfaithful husband Matthew serves as a constant source of conflict and drama, providing a contrast to the more straightforward mystery at hand. On the other hand, Strike’s strained relationship with his estranged rockstar father and his struggles with his own troubled past bring a more introspective and personal touch to the series.

Additionally, Strike’s relationship with his terminally ill aunt Joan adds a poignant layer to the story. As the two characters spend time together in Cornwall, their bond deepens and Strike is forced to confront his own grief and past traumas. The portrayal of their relationship is touching and adds a level of emotional depth to the character of Strike, making him more than just a gruff private detective. The portrayal of Strike’s relationship with his aunt also allows for Tom Burke to showcase his range as an actor, effectively conveying the character’s deep love and pain. These personal storylines not only add depth to the characters, but also create a sense of emotional investment in their struggles and relationships.

The cold case at the center of Strike: Troubled Blood is also a highlight of the season. The disappearance of Margot

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STRIKE: TROUBLED BLOOD (BBC)

Bamborough, a young doctor and mother in 1974, is a mystery that is ripe for investigation by Strike and Robin. The case takes them on a journey through the seedy underbelly of 1970s London, and they encounter a number of suspects along the way, including a psychopathic serial killer and an abusive husband. The case is intriguing and keeps viewers guessing until the very end. The show does a good job of slowly revealing clues and suspects as the detectives investigate. The personal stories of the main characters, including Robin’s personal issues related to her divorce and Strike’s relationship with his father, add depth and emotional stakes to the narrative.

Other standout aspects of the TV show is the attention to detail in the production design. The show is set in the 1970s, and the costume and set design perfectly capture

STRIKE: TROUBLED BLOOD (BBC)

the mood and atmosphere of the era. The characters are dressed in authentic-looking clothing, and the sets, including Strike’s office and the various locations the detectives visit, are all meticulously designed to transport the viewer back in time.

Overall, Strike: Troubled Blood is a solid addition to the series. The chemistry between Burke and Grainger is electric, and the performances by both actors are rather impressive. The cold case at the center of the season is also a standout, and keeps viewers guessing until the very end. If you’re a fan of detective shows, or just great acting and dynamic characters, Strike: Troubled Blood is a must-see.

Strike: Troubled Blood is available now on BBC iPlayer, alongside seasons 1-4.

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BECOME

The Harry Potter series has a vast and complex canon, with multiple sources including the novels, companion books, interviews, and various forms of merchandise. This abundance of information can be confusing for fans, and it has led to the development of a hierarchy of canon that some use to determine the level of authenticity and authority of different sources. In this article, we propose a hierarchy that follows certain rules and is not intended to be official. Some fans may adopt this hierarchy, while others may have their own interpretation of the canon of the Wizarding World.

Just to clarify before continuing, in the context of a franchise like Harry Potter, the term “canon”, as we are using it here, refers to the body of works that are considered to be part of the official, established continuity of the series. This can include the main series of books, as well as other materials such as companion books, interviews, and official websites. When we say something is considered to be part of the canon of a franchise, we mean it is generally accepted as having happened within the fictional world of the series and is used to inform future storytelling.

The main rule of this hierarchy is that J.K. Rowling is the only person who can create or update the canon of the Wizarding World. As the creator of the series,

Rowling’s words and writings hold the most authority and are considered the most reliable source of information. The second rule of this hierarchy is that the medium in which Rowling shares new information about the canon is important. Official mediums, such as her books and website, are considered higher in the hierarchy than other mediums. Additionally, mediums where it is likely that Rowling took the time to carefully craft and edit her writing, such as interviews or companion books, are also considered higher in the hierarchy than more spontaneous mediums such as social media.

Based on these rules, the hierarchy of canon in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is as follows:

Novels: The original seven novels in the Harry Potter series are considered the highest level of canon. These books provide the most detailed and comprehensive depiction of the Wizarding World and are considered the most reliable source of information.

Companion books: Companion books written by J.K. Rowling, such as The Tales of Beedle the Bard, are considered the next level of canon. This category also includes the Daily Prophet Newsletter written for Bloomsbury in 1998/1999. These books provide additional information and context about the Wizarding World, but may not be as comprehensive or definitive as

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the main series.

Pottermore - Original J.K. Rowling Website: The articles and commentary published on Rowling’s original website and later on Pottermore, when authorship has been attributed to J.K. Rowling, are considered the next level of canon. This includes any additional writing or details about the Wizarding World that Rowling has published online.

Interviews: Interviews given by Rowling in different media, such as radio, newspapers, magazines, and television, are considered a lower level of canon than the books or her official website. These interviews provide an opportunity for Rowling to speak about the series and share her thoughts and ideas, but they may not always be as detailed or comprehensive as the other sources.

Facts provided by Rowling to filmmakers, video game makers, theme park designers, etc.: Canon facts provided by J.K. Rowling to filmmakers, video game makers, and other creators of Harry Potter-themed products are considered a lower level of canon than interviews. The fact that Rowling provided these facts must be confirmed by a reliable source, such as a trial like the 2008 one against The Harry Potter Lexicon book. Some fans may argue that these facts should be higher in the hierarchy due to the more official

nature of the medium, while others may consider tweets by Rowling to be a more reliable source due to the direct communication.

Tweets by Rowling: Tweets by J.K. Rowling are considered a lower level of canon than the facts provided to filmmakers and video game makers. These tweets are often brief and may not provide the same level of detail as other sources.

Answers given by Rowling at signing events and other events: Answers given by J.K. Rowling to fans at signing events or other events are considered the lowest level of canon. These answers may be considered less reliable than other sources unless they are confirmed by a recording, such as an audio or video.

It is important to note that the hierarchy of canon proposed in this article is not an objective truth, but rather a perspective held by some fans. The Harry Potter movies, while popular and widely loved, are not considered canon in the Wizarding World by many fans because Rowling was not directly involved in their creation and they may differ from the events and details depicted in the books.

The Fantastic Beasts movies, which were written by Rowling, are considered canon by some fans, but the screenplays may have been heavily edited and modified by the

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film crew, making it difficult to know exactly what came directly from the author. As a result, it is difficult for some fans to consider even the screenplays alone to be part of the official canon of the series. The case of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a stage play based on an original story by Rowling and friends, is similar in that Rowling worked on and approved the story, but the screenplay was written by Jack Thorne. Some fans may consider the play to be part of the canon of the Wizarding World, but others may view it as a separate interpretation of Rowling’s work that does not necessarily align with the events depicted in the books.

Hogwarts Legacy, a video game set in the Wizarding World, would not be considered canon by many fans as it was not created by Rowling and she was not involved in its development. It may be considered similar to other merchandising products that have been licensed to use the Harry Potter brand and characters, but it is not considered an official part of the canon of the Wizarding World by many fans.

It is important to note that not all fans of the Harry Potter series agree on the hierarchy of canon and what should be considered part of the official continuity of the Wizarding World. Some fans may have a more inclusive definition of canon and consider a wider range

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of materials to be part of the series, such as official merchandise like mobile games, movies, toys, and other products. Others may have a more exclusive definition of canon and only consider the original books and perhaps a few select companion materials to be part of the series. The definition of canon is ultimately a matter of personal interpretation and may vary from fan to fan.

One example of a more inclusive definition of canon can be found on the Harry Potter Wiki, which considers a wide range of materials to be part of the official continuity of the Wizarding World. In addition to the original books and companion materials written by J.K. Rowling, the Wiki also includes official merchandise such as mobile games like Hogwarts Mystery, movies, toys, and other products as part of the canon. The Wiki also includes information from the movies, such as props and costume details, as well as information from events, exhibitions and companion books related to the film series. This more inclusive definition of canon allows the Wiki to provide a comprehensive and detailed depiction of the Wizarding World, but it may not be accepted by all fans as the definitive version of the series.

While it is ultimately a matter of personal interpretation for individual fans to decide what they consider to be part of the

canon of the Harry Potter series, it is important for the people in charge of creating new stories within the Wizarding World to have a clear understanding of the rules and continuity of the series. This includes J.K. Rowling, the creator of the series, as well as Warner Bros and other studios and production companies that may be involved in developing new Harry Potter stories. By having a clear understanding of the canon, these individuals can ensure that their new stories are cohesive and consistent with the established history and rules of the Wizarding World. This helps to maintain the integrity and believability of the series and keeps the stories engaging and enjoyable for fans.

It is also worth comparing the canon of the Harry Potter series to that of other franchises, such as Doctor Who and Star Wars. Doctor Who has a more complex and fluid definition of canon, with no official timeline or hierarchy of sources. Star Wars, on the other hand, has a more hierarchical definition of canon, with the original trilogy of films and the prequel trilogy being considered the highest level of canon. The acquisition of the franchise by Disney in 2014 resulted in a significant shakeup of the canon, with many elements of the “Expanded Universe” being reclassified as “Legends” and no longer considered part of the official continuity.

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One way that the Harry Potter series could adopt a more hierarchical definition of canon similar to that used by the Star Wars franchise would be to establish the original books as the highest level of canon, similar to how the original trilogy of Star Wars films is considered the highest level of canon. Companion books, website materials, interviews, and other sources could be ranked lower in the hierarchy, with official merchandise like mobile games, movies, and toys potentially being considered even lower on the hierarchy. This hierarchical approach would allow for a clear hierarchy of sources, with the original books serving as the foundation of the series and other materials being considered in relation to their proximity to the original source material.

It is worth noting that the hierarchical definition of canon proposed in this paragraph is very similar to the hierarchy of canon suggested at the beginning of the article. Both approaches place the original books at the highest level of canon and consider companion books, website materials, interviews, and other sources as lower levels of canon. The main difference is that the approach proposed in this paragraph also includes the inclusion of official merchandise like mobile games, movies, and toys in the hierarchy, something that a company like Warner Bros. might be interested

in doing.

Also, headcanons, or personal ideas and concepts about the series that are not supported by official sources, can be a fun way for fans to express their creativity and speculate about the series. However, they can also cause confusion for inexperienced fans who may not be aware of the difference between official sources and personal headcanons. It is important for fans to understand the hierarchy of canon and the official sources of information in order to fully understand the series and avoid confusion.

As the Harry Potter series continues to expand with new products such as television shows and mobile games, it may become increasingly difficult for fans to determine what is considered canon and what is not. In order to maintain the continuity and integrity of the series, it is important for there to be clear rules and definitions for determining canon. These rules should be defined by an official entity, such as J.K. Rowling herself or Warner Bros., as it is unlikely that the entire fandom will be able to agree on a single definition of canon. By establishing clear guidelines for what is considered part of the official continuity of the series, fans will be able to better understand and engage with new stories set in the Wizarding World.

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In 2022, an official Harry Potter convention was announced.

Titled Wizarding World Festival, the official event will be an opportunity for the global fan community to celebrate the magical world of Harry Potter. This announcement has caused waves of excitement throughout the Harry Potter community, as fans speculate about the details and location of the convention.

One of the most highly anticipated aspects of the convention is the potential for a special appearance by J.K. Rowling herself. While it has not been confirmed whether Rowling will be attending the convention, it is certainly a possibility, and fans are eagerly awaiting any updates on her potential involvement. There is also the potential for appearances by actors from the Harry Potter films, designers (such as MinaLima), producers (David Heyman, for example), or even illustrators from the books. While it has not been announced who will be attending, it is safe to assume that some celebrities from the Wizarding World will be there.

Another aspect that has fans buzzing is the possibility of new announcements or teases for upcoming Harry Potter projects. Conventions are often used as platforms for revealing new information, and with the Wizarding World Festival being an official event, it is certainly

possible that there will be some exciting announcements made. On the screen, this could include the long-rumored Harry Potter TV series, or even new Harry Potter - Wizarding World films. In the literary world, it could be new editions, the announcement of a new illustrator to replace Jim Kay, or (although it would be really weird), a new Harry Potter story. There is also the possibility of announcements such as a new theme park or a new land in one of the current theme parks.

As for the location of the convention, it has been confirmed that it will be held in the United States, but not the actual city. There are a few cities that seem like strong contenders. New York City, which is home to the official and largest Harry Potter store, is a likely choice. The city was home to the “Harry Potter: A History of Magic” exhibit at the New York Historical Society, and it also hosts other conventions (both official and fan-made), attracting fans of all ages. Other potential host cities include Los Angeles, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Orlando, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida.

As for the activities that will take place during the convention, fans could expect a variety of events and experiences. There could be Q&A sessions with actors and

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WIZARDING WORLD FESTIVAL - DATE ANNOUNCEMENT (WIZARDING WORLD)

other members of the Harry Potter creative team, trivia contests about the franchise, costume parades, and more. There could also be exclusive merchandise available for purchase, and other types of collectibles.

One highly anticipated aspect of the convention is the chance for fans to fully immerse themselves in the Wizarding World and interact with others who share their love of the series. There could be activities such as potions class, wand dueling, and more. There could also be interactive exhibits where fans can learn more about the making of the Harry Potter films and the creation of the Wizarding World.

This Wizarding World Festival could be an upgraded version of “A Celebration of Harry Potter”, which was also an annual threeday weekend event held on the last weekend of January at the Harry

Potter Theme Park at Universal Orlando Resort. During the 5 years it was celebrated (from 2014 to 2018), the event featured Q&A sessions with film talent (actors like Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, among others) and book talents (illustrators of the Scholastic editions Kazu Kibuishi and Brian Sleznick attended), discussion panels, photo-ops and official announcements. The event was not held in 2019 and has been officially cancelled for 2020. It is likely that the Wizarding World Festival could be an improved version of the event.

Overall, the Wizarding World convention is sure to be a magical experience for Harry Potter fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual admirer of the series, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned for more updates on the convention as they become available.

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TRL BOOKS WHAT’S COMING IN 2023?

As many of you already know, back in 2021 we launched TRL Books, our own imprint to produce Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling-themed books. Back then, we published

our first book, Secret History of the Wizarding Phenomenon (available on Amazon), and promised two more books. We are pleased to announce that we have more

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information about these new books: they will be published in the second half of 2023. These books promise to be a treat for fans of the beloved series.

The first book, entitled The Many Faces of Harry, is written by Laurent Garcia, a long-time collaborator of The Rowling Library and author of several articles for our magazine and website. In this book, Laurent explores the talented illustrators who have brought the world of Harry Potter to life through their stunning cover art. This book will delve into the evolution of the series’ iconic covers and provide a thorough examination of the artists and their work. When asked about the book, author Garcia said “this book is the result of extensive research and interviews with the Harry Potter illustrators. It provides an analysis of the many different Harry Potter covers around the world, unveiling secrets hiding behind the illustrations. It will put a new light on the evolution of the Harry Potter phenomenon, this time through the people who gave Harry a face.” Whether you’re a collector of the Harry Potter books or simply appreciate beautiful artwork, The Many Faces of Harry is sure to be a fascinating read.

The second book, called Potterlingual, is written by Sean McLennan, a long-time friend of The Rowling Library and a collector of Harry Potter translations. Sean’s

website, Potterglot, is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan interested in the world of translations and adaptations. In Potterlingual, Sean takes readers on a journey through the world of Harry Potter translations, examining the challenges and triumphs of bringing the magic of Harry Potter to readers in various languages and cultures. This book is packed with curiosities and stories that will delight and surprise even the most devoted fans. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the process of translating a beloved series or simply want to read about the cultural differences and similarities in the way Harry Potter has been received around the world. In the words of the author, “the book explores how the Harry Potter series has been (and continues to be) brought to billions of people who are not fluent in English. And Potterlingual also marries the love of Harry Potter and the love of language and is sure to delight anyone with a passing interest in either.” Potterlingual is sure to be a captivating read.

We are excited to bring these two informative and engaging books to Harry Potter fans everywhere in the second half of 2023. Keep an eye out for more information and pre-order details in the coming months. In the meantime, we hope you’re as excited as we are for these new additions to the Harry Potter literary world.

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RIDDIKULUS!

Erik (@knockturnerik on Instagram) plays with original artwork from the Harry Potter books! Follow @knockturnthepages on Instagram for more humour! ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION BY MARY GRANDPRÉ FOR HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (SCHOLASTIC, 2005)

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